Generic Name: E: ATORVASTATIN (a-TORE-va-sta-tin)
Drug Manufacturer: PFIZER
Common Uses: This medicine is an
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower
cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use this Medicine: Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine
may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this medicine at
the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the
Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used
with this medicine. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between
68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away
from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and
go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions: FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN
provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits
of this medicine takes effect. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING THIS
MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or
triglycerides do not feel sick. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS
(e.g., liver function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you are using
this medicine. THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how
you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines,
or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL may increase your chance
for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND
OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS
MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side
effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are
pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor
immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective
birth control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal
harm. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while
taking this medicine.
Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS
that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache,
nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues
or is bothersome, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY INFREQUENTLY
cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition
called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug and tell your doctor
immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially
with fever or unusual tiredness). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing eyes and skin,
dark urine, change in the amount of urine, black stool, or severe stomach
pain. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling
of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your
doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your
doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
